Metric system familiarization game

ABSTRACT

A device for familiarizing the players thereof with the metric system of measurement. The device includes a disk-like member having a plurality of sockets provided therein which have sizes of metric denomination and various values. Also included is a set of pegs having one peg precisely the same shape and size for each of the sockets. The set of pegs is divided into at least two groups which are visibly distinguishable one from the other, with each player having his own group. For example, one group might be red for one player and another group might be blue for another player. The sockets are identified with suitable socket size indicia which preferably may be seen by only one player at a time. Subsequent to certain predetermined rules being followed, the player who has the most pegs inserted into the respective sockets is declared the winner. Of course, the rules may vary but the objective remains substantially constant, i.e., to reward the player who is more skillful in visibly picking those pegs from his group which are precisely the sizes called for, one at a time, by his opponent.

United States Patent Hester 1 1 MET RIC SYSTEM FAMILIARIZATION GAME [75]Inventor: Thomas A. Hester, Shelby, Miss.

[73] Assignee: Bert W. Hayes, Shelby, Miss; a part interest [22] Filed:May 6, 1974 [21] Appl. No.: 467,117

[52] US. Cl. 273/130 R; 35/22 A; 273/136 E; 273/136 K [51] Int. Cl. A6319/06 [58] Field of Search 35/22 A, 31 D, 73; 273/130 R, 131 BA, 134 GM,136 C, 136 E, 156; 206/379; 211/69 [56] References Cited UNITED STATESPATENTS 571,567 ll/l896 Jouvc 35/73 X 1,121,934 12/1914 Miller 211/692,568,089 9/1951 Pendlcton 206/379 X 2,733,066 l/1956 Edwards 273/131 BA3,510,964 /1970 Dahners ct a1 3.5/22 A 3,592,472 7/1971 Kent /22 A X3.643.290 2/1972 Milne 35/22 A UX 3,727,771 4/1973 Hoffman 211/69FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS Primary Eraminer-Richard C. Pinkham IAssistant Examiner-Harry G. Strappello Attorney, Agent, or Firm.lohn R.Walker, 111

[57] ABSTRACT A device for familiarizing the players thereof with themetric system of measurement. The device includes a disk-like memberhaving a plurality of sockets provided therein which have sizes ofmetric denomination and various values. Also included is a set of pegshaving one peg precisely the same shape and size for each of thesockets. The set of pegs is divided into at least two groups which arevisibly distinguishable one from the other, with each player having hisown group. For example, one group might be red for one player andanother group might be blue for another player. The sockets areidentified with suitable socket size indicia which preferably may beseen by only one player at a time. Subsequent to certain predeterminedrules being followed, the player who has the most pegs inserted into therespective sockets is declared the winner. Of course, the rules may varybut the objective remains substantially constant, i.e., to reward theplayer who is more skillful in visibly picking those pegs from his groupwhich are precisely the sizes called for, one at a time, by hisopponent.

6,706 7/1912 United Kingdom ..35/22A 6claimss3nrawing Figures 1,050,0087/1966 United Kingdom ..2l1/69 1766 L7H wd l7nn |7qq |7ff l7bb 17mm rrpI I700 6 43 17h 3 l7 5 m Q 92 mm 15 @rrb 17d 35 6/ I713 Wk 1500 l5hh I?l q o lsq 7r l7r 17m 31 45 15b l5bb m 15c 5 l5mm l5rr I500 d lspp l5ff5e METRIC SYSTEM FAMILIARIZATION GAME BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1.Field of the Invention This invention relates to the field of metricsystem familiarization games.

2. Description of the Prior Art Applicant is aware of the following U.S.Pat. Nos.: Scherf, 2,542,948; Abbey, 3,596,377; Kent, 3,592,472; andSpeers, Des. 219,216. None of the above patents suggest or discloseapplicants device.

Many craftsmen, e.g., carpenters, machinists, mechanics, and the like,by necessity are so familiar with the size of certain tools of theirtrade, e.g., twist drill bits, certain wrenches, gauges, and the like,that they can readily select any particular size by simply looking atthe physical dimensions thereof. Additionally, many of these craftsmenare so skilled that by merely mentioning a certain size, e.g., 1/16 inchdrill or /8 inch drill, etc., they are able to select from a group,having a variety of different sizes therein, that particular size calledfor, i.e., without gauging or reading the size thereon.

These craftsmen will find themselves extremely handicapped when and ifthis country changes over to the metric system of measurement. In otherwords, most people in this country do not have the slightest concept ofthe metric system or they do not know a. millimeter from a centimeter.Accordingly, when drill bits and hex head bolts and nuts, etc. arechanged to conform to the metric denomination values, craftsmen usingtools having sizes of metric denomination and values will have to takethe time to either gauge the tool or read the size before continuingwith the task at hand.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed towardproviding a game device for familiarizing the playing opponents thereofwith the metric system of measurement. In fact, an object of the presentinvention is to thoroughly acquaint the players with the metric systemof measurement, i.e., it is believed that this game device will enableskilled craftsmen to readily identify tools and gauges having sizes ofmetric denomination and values with the same ease and speed as they nowdo with our present system.

The game device includes a main body member preferably in the shape of adisk which has two semicircular portions. One of these semi-circularportions is provided with a plurality of sockets which have sizes ofmetric denomination and various values. Also included is a set ofpeglike members which includes a peglike member having precisely thesame shape and size for each of the sockets. The set of peglike membersis divided into at least two groups which are visibly distinguishableone from the other, e.g., one group might be colored red and dealt toone player while another group might be colored blue and dealt toanother player. The sockets are identified with suitable socket sizeindicia which preferably may be seen by only one player at a time.Subsequent to certain predetermined rules being followed, the player whohas the most pegs inserted into the respective sockets is declared thewinner.

More specifically, one player, e.g., player A having the red group,challenges the other player, e.g., player B having the blue group, byasking for a certain size blue peg. If player B accurately picks thecorrect peg, it is placed in the appropriate socket. Then, player Bchallenges player A in a like manner. The disklike member is turned sothat the indicia indicating the socket size is facing the player makingthe challenge.

A basic familiarization game could be played by player A simply pointingto the empty socket and player B being required to select a peg for thatparticular socket. These latter simple rules will establish thefoundation for familiarizing the player with the metric system since thevalues are visible to both players, i.e., each socket is marked with thesocket size and one end of each peg is suitably marked with the pegsize. Of course, the rules may vary but the object remains substantiallyconstant, i.e., to reward or recognize the player who is more skillfulin visibly picking those pegs from his group which are precisely thesize indicated or called for, one at a time, by his opponent.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the gamedevice of the present invention, showing a portion thereof broken awayto clearly show certain structure thereof. Also, a peglike member isdepicted in phantom as it would appear when placed in one of the manysockets.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the game device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one of the peglike members showingexamples of peg size indicia which may be applied to the end of eachpeglike member and means for distinguishing one group from the other.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The game device 11 of thepresent invention is intended to be played by two or more players whopreferably are seated opposite each other. The device 11 is intended forfamiliarizing the playing opponents thereof with the metric system ofmeasurement. Mastering the game device 11 would be extremely difficult.Accordingly, the game device 11 offers a challenge to grownups andchildren. The basic intent of the game device 11 is to familiarizepeople in this country with the metric system of measurement, i.e.,since people in this country generally are not familiar with the metricsystem. On the other hand, the game device 11 offers a challenge tothose people in foreign countries who are already acquainted with themetric system but are not adept at readily selecting a certain sizeobject by the mere mention of its dimension. In other words, the gamedevice 1 l is intended to be an educational device which may be used inschools in all countries. Additionally, it may be used in the home toteach the players thereof the metric system or to more readily make thetransition from the present system of measurement to the metric systemof measurement.

The game device 11 comprises a main body member 13 including a pluralityof sockets 15 which are individually designated as 15a, 15b and ofpredetermined shape, e.g., circular, rectangular, and/or hexagon or thelike, and having sizes of metric denomination and various valuesprovided therein. In other words, while the sockets l5 depicted in thedrawing are circular in shape, the scope of the invention is intended toencompass sockets of various predetermined shapes. It will beappreciated that one person might be more interested in becomingthoroughly familiar with circular shapes, i.e., particularly in theevent this person's skills require him to be thoroughly familiar withtwist drills or the like. On the other hand, other persons might be moreinterested in becoming thoroughly familiar with square or hexagon shapedobjects, i.e., particularly beneficial to mechanics and machinists whowork with hex head bolts and nuts and square machine stock. Further, thesizes of the sockets preferably are selected to realistically correspondto objects pertaining to specific skills rather than being selected atrandom.

The game device 11 also includes a set of peglike members 17 which areindividually designated as 17a, 17b, and 170, etc., as clearly shown inFIG. 2 of the drawings. Each peglike member 17 includes a first portion,as at 19 (FIG. 3) having a predetermined size and shape compatible withthe size and shape of only one of the plurality of sockets 15. The firstportions 19 of the set of peglike members 17 selectively are insertedinto the plurality of sockets in a manner which will be fully disclosed.In this regard, it should be understood that the peglike member 17a willonly fit the socket 15a, the peglike member 1712 will only fit thesocket 15b, the peglike member 170 will only fit the socket 150, etc.

The set of peglike members 17 is divided into at least two equal groups,i.e., the first of these groups being identified in FIG. 2 of thedrawing by single letter suffixes, as at 17a, and the second of thesegroups being readily identified by double letter suffixes, as at l7aa.Each group of peglike members includes visible distinguishing means,e.g., a particular color paint such as blue paint character referencedby the numeral 21 in FIG. 3 of the drawing. The paint 21 visiblydistinguishes the peglike members 17a, 17b, 17c, etc. from the peglikemembers 17aa, 17bb, 17cc, etc. whereby each player may be dealt apeculiar group. In other words, one group may be blue, another groupred, etc. In this regard, it should be understood that the peglikemembers 17 may integrally be formed from a plastic substance. In thisevent, the color would be all the way through the peglike members 17rather than having substructure, as at 23, covered with the differentcolored paints, such as the blue paint 21.

The manner in which the game device 11 is played was previouslydisclosed in the summary above. Accordingly, it should be sufficient tosimply state here that subsequent to certain predetermined rules havingbeen followed, the player having the most peglike members 17 insertedinto the respective sockets 15 is declared the winner.

The game device 11 preferably includes a base'member 25 for supportingthe device 11. The main body member 13 preferably is pivotally attachedto the base member 25, as with a pivot pin 27 shown in FIG. 1, forpivotal movement about a vertical axis.

The main body member 13 preferably includes first and seconddiametrically disposed portions, as at 29, 31. The first portion 29 ischaracterized by a substantially smooth uninterrupted surface while thesecond portion 31 is provided with the plurality of sockets 15, asclearly shown in FIG. 2 of the drawing.

The main body member 13 preferably is disklike in shape having apredetermined thickness establishing a bandlike portion, as at 33,disposed about the perimeter of the main body member 13. From FIG. 2 ofthe drawing it may also be seen that the sockets 15 are arranged atvarious distances from the center of the disklike shaped main bodymember 13. Additionally, the main body member 13 includes socketindicia, character referenced by the numeral 35, in the form of radiallines extending through the centers of each of the sockets 15.

The socket indicia 35 additionally includes a plurality of specificnumerals, as clearly shown in FIG. 1 of the drawing, disposed about thebandlike portion 33. Certain of the numerals, such as the numeral 15, isdisposed adjacent the terminus of each of the radial lines. Thesenumerals indicate the precise size of the particular socket appertainingthereto, i.e., the socket l5ff would in this case be 15mm. in diameter,etc.

Each of the peglike members 17 preferably includes peg size indicia,character referenced by the numeral 37 in FIG. 3 of the drawing. Inother words, the peg size indicia 37 encompasses the plurality ofspecific numerals corresponding to the entire set of peglike members 17.The peg size indicia 37 is applied to respective second portions, as at39 of the peglike members 17, i.e., the numeral 7 in FIG. 3 of thedrawing indicates that the first portion 19 of that particular member is7 mm. in diameter.

The game device 11 preferably includes receptacle means, as at 41, forreceiving the set of peglike members 17. The receptacle means 41 issuitably attached to the main body member 13, as by being integrallyformed therewith.

The receptacle means 41 preferably includes means, c.g., compartmentmeans 43 defined by divider members 45 for supporting the peglikemembers 17 in a substantially vertical disposition, as depicted in FIG.1 of the drawing. In other words, the members 17 remain uprightregardless of how few may be contained within the receptacle means 41.It should be understood that placing the peglike members 17 in thereceptacle means 41 with the second portions 39 thereof being inwardlydirected, i.e., the portion having the peg size indicia 37 thereon beinginwardly directed, is effective to obscure from view the peg sizeindicia 37.

From FIG. 1 of the drawing it may be seen that the game device 1 1includes cover means, as at 47, for covering the receptacle means 41.The cover means 47 preferably is removable from the receptacle means 41since its intended purpose is simply to prevent the peglike members 17from falling out of the receptacle means 41 when the game device 11 isnot in use or is being moved about.

Although the invention has been described and illustrated with respectto a preferred embodiment thereof, it is to be understood that it is notto be so limited since changes and modifications may be made thereinwhich are within the full intended scope of the invention.

1 claim:

1. A game device for familiarizing the playing opponents thereof withthe metric system of measurements, said device comprising a main bodymember including a plurality of sockets provided therein ofpredetermined shape and having sizes of metric denomination and variousvalues, and a set of peglike members each including a first portionhaving a predetermined size and shape compatible with the size and shapeof one of said plurality of sockets, said first portions of said set ofpeglike members selectively being inserted into said plurality ofsockets as the game proceeds. said set of peglike members being dividedinto at least two groups with each group including means for visiblydistinguishing the peglike members thereof from the peglike members ofthe other groups whereby each player may be dealt a peculiar group, andsubsequent to certain predetermined rules having been followed, theplayer having the most peglike members inserted in the respectivesockets being declared the winner, said body member including first andsecond diametrically disposed portions, said first portion having asubstantially smooth uninterrupted surface thereto, said second portionbeing provided with said plurality of sockets.

2. The game device of claim 1 in which said main body member is disklikein shape having a predetermined thickness establishing a bandlikeportion disposed about the perimeter thereof, said plurality of socketsbeing arranged at various distances from the center of said disklikeshaped main body member, and said main body member including socketindicia in the form of radial lines extending through the centers ofeach of said sockets.

3. The game device of claim 2 in which said socket indicia additionallyincludes a plurality of specific numerals disposed about said bandlikeportion, certain ones of said numerals being disposed adjacent theterminus of each of said radial lines to indicate the precise size ofthe particular socket appertaining thereto.

4. A game device for familiarizing the playing opponents thereof withthe metric system of measurements, said device comprising a main bodymember including a plurality of sockets provided therein ofpredetermined shape and having sizes of metric denomination and variousvalues, a set of peglike members each including a first portion having apredetermined size and shape compatible with the size and shape of oneof said plurality of sockets and receptacle means for receiving said setof peglike members, said receptacle means being attached to said mainbody member, said first portions of said set of peglike membersselectively being inserted into said plurality of sockets as the gameproceeds, said set of peglike members being divided into at least twogroups with each group including means for visibly distinguishing thepeglike members thereof from the peglike members of the other groupswhereby each player may be dealt a peculiar group, and subsequent tocertain predetermined rules having been followed, the player having themost peglike members inserted in the respective sockets being declaredthe winner.

5. The game device of claim 4 in which said receptacle means includesmeans for supporting said peglike members in a substantially verticaldisposition regardless of how few peglike members may be containedtherein.

6. The game device of claim 4 in which each of said peglike membersincludes peg size indicia, said peg size indicia being applied torespective second portions of said peglike members, placing said peglikemembers in said receptacle means with the second portions thereofinwardly directed being effective to obscure from view said peg sizeindicia.

1. A game device for familiarizing the playing opponents thereof withthe metric system of measurements, said device comprising a main bodymember including a plurality of sockets provided therein ofpredetermined shape and having sizes of metric denomination and variousvalues, and a set of peglike members each including a first portionhaving a predetermined size and shape compatible with the size and shapeof one of said plurality of sockets, said first portions of said set ofpeglike members selectively being inserted into said plurality ofsockets as the game proceeds, said set of peglike members being dividedinto at least two groups with each group including means for visiblydistinguishing the peglike members thereof from the peglike members ofthe other groups whereby each player may be dealt a peculiar group, andsubsequent to certain predetermined rules having been followed, theplayer having the most peglike members inserted in the respectivesockets being declared the winner, said body member including first andsecond diametrically disposed portions, said first portion havinG asubstantially smooth uninterrupted surface thereto, said second portionbeing provided with said plurality of sockets.
 2. The game device ofclaim 1 in which said main body member is disklike in shape having apredetermined thickness establishing a bandlike portion disposed aboutthe perimeter thereof, said plurality of sockets being arranged atvarious distances from the center of said disklike shaped main bodymember, and said main body member including socket indicia in the formof radial lines extending through the centers of each of said sockets.3. The game device of claim 2 in which said socket indicia additionallyincludes a plurality of specific numerals disposed about said bandlikeportion, certain ones of said numerals being disposed adjacent theterminus of each of said radial lines to indicate the precise size ofthe particular socket appertaining thereto.
 4. A game device forfamiliarizing the playing opponents thereof with the metric system ofmeasurements, said device comprising a main body member including aplurality of sockets provided therein of predetermined shape and havingsizes of metric denomination and various values, a set of peglikemembers each including a first portion having a predetermined size andshape compatible with the size and shape of one of said plurality ofsockets and receptacle means for receiving said set of peglike members,said receptacle means being attached to said main body member, saidfirst portions of said set of peglike members selectively being insertedinto said plurality of sockets as the game proceeds, said set of peglikemembers being divided into at least two groups with each group includingmeans for visibly distinguishing the peglike members thereof from thepeglike members of the other groups whereby each player may be dealt apeculiar group, and subsequent to certain predetermined rules havingbeen followed, the player having the most peglike members inserted inthe respective sockets being declared the winner.
 4. A game device forfamiliarizing the playing opponents thereof with the metric system ofmeasurements, said device comprising a main body member including aplurality of sockets provided therein of predetermined shape and havingsizes of metric denomination and various values, a set of peglikemembers each including a first portion having a predetermined size andshape compatible with the size and shape of one of said plurality ofsockets and receptacle means for receiving said set of peglike members,said receptacle means being attached to said main body member, saidfirst portions of said set of peglike members selectively being insertedinto said plurality of sockets as the game proceeds, said set of peglikemembers being divided into at least two groups with each group includingmeans for visibly distinguishing the peglike members thereof from thepeglike members of the other groups whereby each player may be dealt apeculiar group, and subsequent to certain predetermined rules havingbeen followed, the player having the most peglike members inserted inthe respective sockets being declared the winner.
 5. The game device ofclaim 4 in which said receptacle means includes means for supportingsaid peglike members in a substantially vertical disposition regardlessof how few peglike members may be contained therein.